Canada Reaffirms its Commitment to a Negotiated Settlement With Ontario and Six Nations

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - July 9, 2009) - The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Metis and Non-Status Indians today reaffirmed Canada's commitment to move forward on claim negotiations with Haudenosaunee Six Nations (HSN) and the Province of Ontario.

"We still believe that negotiations offer the best forum in which to resolve Six Nations' claims in a manner that will benefit all parties, including surrounding communities," said Minister Strahl. "The process of reconciling relationships and building trust takes time and requires open communications among all parties."

During yesterday's talks, the federal negotiating team advised both HSN and the Province of Ontario that Canada will continue to participate in negotiations after the litigation is reactivated by the Elected Council in August 2009. The Six Nations of the Grand River Band of Indians filed a lawsuit against the Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario in March 1995.

In addition, Canada tabled a negotiation protocol for Ontario and HSN's consideration. The goal of the proposed protocol is to establish mutually acceptable principles to govern the continued participation of all three parties in the negotiations.

Canada's negotiating team continues to seek innovative and concrete solutions to the complex issues facing all parties and is committed to finding common ground on the issues through talks.

Discussions with HSN deal with complex issues which stem from historical events dating back to the 18th century. These issues cannot be resolved overnight. The parties must work through challenging issues to find lasting and common solutions.